Eksitoiva

Eksitoiva is a Finnish term used mainly in neuroscience and physiology to describe phenomena, signals, or substances that increase the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential. An eksitoiva effect typically causes depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane, making it more likely that the neuron will reach the threshold for an action potential.

In practice, eksitoiva transmission is often mediated by excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate, which open cation channels and allow positively charged ions to enter the postsynaptic cell. The resulting excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) raises the probability of neuronal firing. Eksitoiva synapses are commonly contrasted with inhibitiiv synapses, which reduce excitability and promote hyperpolarization or higher firing thresholds.

The term appears across scientific literature, pharmacology, and education to describe an excitatory effect. In Finnish, phrases such as eksitoiva vaikutus (excitatory effect) or eksitoiva synapsi (excitatory synapse) are used to specify the nature of the signal or connection.

Etymology and usage: eksitoiva derives from the verb eksitoida (to excite) with the adjective-forming suffix -va. While primarily a technical term, it can also appear in broader discussions of stimuli that evoke arousal or heightened activity in neural circuits.